Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Schubert to Debussy
A complete undergraduate-level online course on Western music history for the period 1815-1915. Includes course assignments.
PBS
Pbs: Duke Ellington's Washington
This site explores the life of Duke Ellington, as well as the strong African-American community that flourished in Washington, D.C., during the time that Ellington lived there (1899-1923).
PBS
Pbs: Jazz Timeline
With this timeline, learn about how the history of slavery, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racial oppression impacted the rise of jazz in America. Also highlights the achievements of women, including Viola Smith in this world of music....
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Johnny Mathis
A biography of singer Johnny Mathis, an inductee into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Includes a profile, videos, and a photo gallery.
Other
The Official Leonard Bernstein Site
As the Official site, there are recordings, lectures, letters, photos, publications, scripts, etc. that are unavailable elsewhere. Links to the Library of Congress' Leonard Bernstein Collection, another excellent source.
PBS
Pbs: Math With Jake: Inverse Relationships
Musician and composer Jake Shimabukuro explains how ratios of notes have an inverse relationship to the string length of a ukulele, allowing musicians to produce various notes and pitches, in this video from the Center for Asian American...
Library of Congress
Loc: Music and Theater Introduction
This official site for the Music Divison of the Library of Congress offers a wealth of information about music and composers. A "must" site for the devoted musician.
University of Houston
University of Houston: Biography: Franz Liszt (1811 1886)
Offers biographical information about musician and composer Franz Liszt. Includes links to samples of his works.
PBS
Pbs: This Far by Faith: Thomas Dorsey
A biography of Thomas Dorsey, the man known as "the father of gospel music," from the producers of "This Far by Faith," a series on African-American spiritual journeys. (The series premiered on PBS stations in June 2003.) The site...
Other
Cybermuse: Michael Snow
Detailed biography of well-known Canadian filmmaker, musician, artist, composer, writer, and sculptor Michael Snow. He has an international reputation as well as being renowned in the Toronto art scene.
A&E Television
History.com: How Al Capone Spent His Time in Alcatraz
Public Enemy #1 was transferred to the now-infamous island prison a few weeks after it opened. To Americans of the 1920s and '30s, he was the notorious gangster Scarface Al, Public Enemy No. 1. But when he arrived at Alcatraz in late...
Curated OER
Bach at a Young Age.
Information about one of Bach's most famous and most loved choral pieces, the mass in B minor. The article explains why the B minor mass is considered such an an enigmatic work. With a downloadable version of the text of the mass in...
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Cole Porter
Cole Porter is discussed in this brief biography. It touches on the highlights of his life and career.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra
Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: William Grant Still
This resource describes how William Grant Still (1895-1978 CE) started out playing the violin and then began teaching himself to play other string instruments as well as the oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. His most famous work is...
Other
Famous Singers
Biographical profiles of famous singers in major musical genres. Includes photo and links to snippets of their songs.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Lena Horne
PBS profiles American jazz singer and actress Lena Horne's life and music. Includes video.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story: Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzie Gillespie helped create a new form of modern jazz called be-bop. It was the predecessor of hip-hop that is so popular today.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Duke Ellington
This resource provides information about Duke Ellington.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: w.c. Handy
This resource provides information about W.C. Handy.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Leonard Bernstein
This resource provides information about Leonard Bernstein.
Songwriters Hall of Fame
Songwriters Hall of Fame: Chuck Berry
This resource provides information about Chuck Berry.
Black Past
Black Past: Watts, Andre
This encyclopedia article gives a brief biography of Andre Watts, the first internationally known black classical pianist.
Other
Johann Strauss, Jr. 1825 1899
A biography of Johann Strauss, Jr. (1825-1899 CE) with lots of images plus an extensive list of compositions.